Norman Orchids, orchids.com

[solo1979]

Yeah this guy was in moss too, which I've already done away with. Moss doesn't work for me at all unless I'm just using a bit of it to wrap around the bottom of plants with next to no roots to promote some root growth.

The only place I've found this variety is Norman's, so it was either order from them or not add it to my collection.

[Lindanc]

Thought I would throw in my feedback on orchids.com. I just got a shipment in for three orchids. One Near Mature Size, one Mature size and one in bud/spike (which I was going to give as a Christmas gift). The only plant that was a problem was the one in bud/spike. It had one old flower which was pretty much gone and bumps on one leaf (which I am not sure what it is). Guess this one is not going to be a Christmas gift. It was going to be for my brother whom has seen my orchids and wants to try one, He wants a Cattleya which is almost impossible to find in my area. I wanted him to start with a spike - oh well.

Their policy reads that they will guarantee nice plants but will not be responsible for blooms/spikes.

the other two plants looked great! I will order from them again but it will not be in spike/bloom, it will only be plants.

[solo1979]

Hi all! Sorry I disappeared for a while I've just been crazy busy! I finally got my $10 refund credited to my credit card from Norman's 2 months later. Not the greatest customer service there!

[OrchidTess]

Just received a Phal Texas Mist (in flower and bud) and Phal Princess Kaiulani from Norman's. The roots were fantastic and the plants large. Yes, I have removed them from the tightly packed moss they came in.

[lauraja]

Hello,
I recently (in the last few months) ordered a long-awaited Blue Martini from Norman's. It is now in the last stages of dying. It was heavily infected with Mealy bugs, as was the very young violacea that was sent with it, which also died. (Incidentally, it is very unusual for me to "lose" an orchid.) I apparently am not the only one who received an infected Blue Martini - Google "the Scoop on Norman's Orchids" for more info, and to view a combination of positive and negative reviews. My experience with Norman's has been very mixed; after this last experience, and other ones with them, I am going to resist the temptation (despite the variety they offer) to order anything from them at this time.
LA

[Mel]

Well with much trepidation i decided to buy some of the phals from here. i ordered seven plants 3 in bud/spike 3 mature and one at near mature. all have plenty of roots but some of them came bone dry and one has a large brown spot on the leaf so im going to cut that one off.
Unfortunately some came in only 2 inch pots! so i need to order some pots and some seedling mix since the mix i have is coarse bark. But overall I am happy.

BTW one of the phals in bloom is my avatar. I love it.

[EdinAZ]

My experience with them is generally BAD. They are more expensive than other dealers, plant quality is "variable" (from O.K. to poor . . . I've never experienced EXCELLENT with them), they are ALWAYS poorly potted and sometimes poorly packed. I have ordered about three times (give them a few chances) but every time has been the same for me.

They are a source I probably won't use again . . . there are too many good/reputable sources out there.

Ed

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

Okay. I know I've said in the past that Norman's Orchids is an alright source.

On one hand, I've had plants survive, but many other people have sooo many complaints.

As a result I started looking into this...

I visited them again and really paid close attention to everything...and have discovered this...

The owners are NOT good people. They will do just enough to sell a plant that's good enough to push out. I've even observed them treating their workers poorly. They try to hide all this and quite possibly more with a fake smile that wreaks of hostility (I didn't notice this subtle piece of body language before).

I believe that how they are as people reflects in how their product looks. Therefore, I must change my recommendation to that of:

DO NOT PURCHASE FROM THEM UNTIL THEY DECIDE TO GENUINELY DO SOMETHING ABOUT HOW THEY TREAT THEIR PLANTS, WORKERS, AND CUSTOMERS.

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

Oh, yeah, and yes...there are better vendors out there.

[stitz]

I have had good results from Norman's. I have friends who say the same. I know no one personally who has had difficulty with Norman's.

--Stitz--